Dailey to be acting chief

PARIS —  Outgoing Paris Police Chief David Verrier notified the Advertiser Democrat Tuesday, that Lt. Mike Dailey would be Acting Chief as of Friday, November 30, Verrier's last day in the position.

"Mike told me today he would be taking over on Friday," said Verrier. "He said Liz [Elizabeth Knox, acting town manager] told him today."

Verrier said Alan Carr would be second in command as lieutenant. "Carr's appointment carries a six-month probationary status," said Verrier.

Verrier said Dailey is a good choice as he has experience in policies and procedures, training and running the department. Verrier noted that Dailey will have to get used to dealing more with the public as that is a larger part of the chief's job than of the lieutenant's.

Resignations

Chief Verrier's resignation was accepted by the board of selectmen during its meeting Monday, but board members refused to accept the resignation of Lt. Dailey.

Board members voted unanimously not to accept Dailey's resignation after Board Chair Sam Elliot informed them he expressed interest in staying on.

Elliot appeared to be the only board member who had prior knowledge Dailey was interested in reconsidering his resignation.

Elliot said Tuesday, he was only informed of Dailey's interest Monday afternoon. 

At Monday's meeting, Selectman Ryan Lorrain, who made a motion to accept Dailey's resignation and send him a letter of thanks, was surprised by the news.

"I just don't hear these things until they come up," Lorrain stated.

Selectman Robert Wessels also appeared unaware of the abrupt change and asked for confirmation that Dailey was interested in returning to the force.

Elliot said he was certain Dailey was interested in staying on in Paris.

"He's a good man ... he's been here for 14 years – he's a solid guy," Elliot said.

On Tuesday, Interim Town Manager Elizabeth Knox said Dailey, who has returned from vacation, had expressed interest in withdrawing his resignation.

At Monday's meeting the board unanimously accepted Verrier's resignation. In a resignation letter dated November 16, Verrier states his last day of work is November 30.

Following the regular meeting, the board held a lengthy executive session on the subject of selecting a new police chief.

After nearly an hour-and-a-half, the board reentered public session and Selectman Bob Kirchherr made a motion to "tentatively set a meeting to be confirmed by the town manager on Friday 6 p.m. at the town office." 

Asked Tuesday if Dailey was being considered for the position, Elliot said the board was looking at "anybody that's out there" to fill the vacancy.

"We haven't made any decisions, we're just talking about how to go about it," Elliot said. "Mostly we're talking about the process we need to go through to do this."

"We'd hope Friday we'll have some kind of an answer."

Dailey could not be reached for comment.